Last week you may have seen our article introducing Ramadan and what the month represents. I wanted to build on that by sharing something more personal — what it’s like to observe Ramadan as a Muslim woman, a mum and a leader.
When people think of Ramadan, fasting is usually the first thing that comes to mind. What often surprises them is that fasting also includes going without water — something many colleagues are curious about. But Ramadan is about much more than abstaining from food and drink; it’s a month focused on reflection, patience, discipline, and compassion.
Right now, the fast begins around 5.30am and gets earlier each day. The time to break the fast (Iftar) is gradually getting later too. As a mum of a teenager and a tweenager with a busy job, this makes Ramadan an interesting month to navigate.
I’ve always been an early riser, but getting up at 4.30am to prepare food for everyone makes it difficult to go back to sleep before starting the day again. I often end up beginning work earlier so I can make the best use of those quiet morning hours.
By the end of the day, I know my energy will dip, so I try to structure the day to make the most of the times when I’m most focused. I tend to take my “lunchbreak later” (apart from when I need to walk the dog! ) so that I can finish slightly earlier to break my fast.
Ramadan forces you to be intentional: to choose where you place your energy, how you pace yourself, and how you show up as the best version of yourself, even when you’re running on less sleep and no caffeine.
The understanding people have about Ramadan has grown so much since I was younger. I remember a time when many people didn’t know what Ramadan was. Now, colleagues are so thoughtful, people ask if I mind them eating in front of me (I don’t, but some might), and that awareness is always appreciated.
I actually came to observing Ramadan relatively late in life. My son decided he wanted to fast when he was younger, but of course he couldn’t get up and cook for himself at 4.30am. I didn’t want him sitting there not eating while I had breakfast, so I got up with him… and fasted with him. Five years later, we’re still following this pattern together. It’s become a shared routine that I really treasure.
After a month of fasting, celebrating Eid is always one of my favourite times of year. The night before, Chaandni Raat (the night of the moon), is full of joy. People gather to have henna painted, buy new clothes, and treat themselves after a month of discipline and reflection.
I’m really looking forward to celebrating Eid. For me, it’s a time to acknowledge the resilience people show throughout the month and to remind ourselves that we can continue to grow and improve, in our lives, in our abilities and in our faith.
